MG1 and MG2
- MG1 (Secondary motor-generator): Acts as a motor sharing power with ICE to drive MG2, generates power to recharge the HV battery or starts ICE. By regulating the amount of electrical power generated (by varying MG1's mechanical torque and speed), MG1 effectively controls the transaxle's continuously variable transmission. MG1 also serves as the engine starter motor.
- MG2 (Primary motor-generator): Drives the wheels, regenerates power for HV battery energy storage or brakes the vehicle. MG2 drives the wheels with electrical power generated by the engine and MG1. This is the motor portion of its "motor generator" capabilities. Like any electrical motor, MG2 provides a smooth (nearly imperceptible) acceleration from standstill to forward (or reverse) motion. During regenerative braking, MG2 acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, storing this electrical energy in the battery, driving the engine (when an engine braking mode is enabled), or dissipating the electrical energy as heat (when the batteries are fully charged).
Read more about this topic: Hybrid Synergy Drive, Principle, Power Flows